Welcome to Your Knitting Source, your go-to resource for all things knitting! If you’re looking to expand your knitting skills and add new techniques to your repertoire, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of knitting an increase, a fundamental skill that is essential for creating shaping in your knitted projects.
Knitting increases involves adding extra stitches to your work, which can be used to shape your knitting in various ways. Whether you’re working on a sweater, hat, or scarf, learning how to knit increases will give you the ability to create beautiful patterns and designs.
In this easy step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the different methods of knitting an increase, including the knit front and back (kfb) method, the yarn over (yo) method, and the make one (m1) method. We’ll explain each method in detail and provide helpful tips and tricks to ensure your increases are neat and even.
So grab your knitting needles and yarn, and let’s dive into the world of knitting increases. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the skills and confidence to incorporate increases into your knitting projects, adding depth and dimension to your finished pieces. Get ready to take your knitting to the next level!
Knitting Basics
Knitting is the process of creating fabric by interlocking yarn loops using knitting needles. It is a popular craft that has been practiced for centuries. If you are new to knitting, here are some basics to get you started:
- Yarn: Yarn is the main material used in knitting. It comes in various types, weights, and colors. Choose a yarn that suits your project and personal preferences.
- Needles: Knitting needles come in different sizes and materials. The size of the needles affects the tension and size of your stitches. Start with a medium-sized pair of needles made of wood or metal.
- Casting On: Casting on is the first step in starting a knitting project. It creates the foundation row of stitches on your needle. There are different casting on methods, such as the long-tail cast on and the knitted cast on.
- Knit Stitch: The knit stitch is the most basic stitch in knitting. It creates a smooth and reversible fabric. To knit, insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, wrap the yarn around the right needle, and pull it through the stitch to create a new stitch.
- Purl Stitch: The purl stitch is another essential stitch in knitting. It creates a bumpy texture on the fabric. To purl, insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle from right to left, wrap the yarn around the right needle, and pull it through the stitch to create a new stitch.
- Knit and Purl Patterns: By combining knit and purl stitches in different ways, you can create a variety of patterns and textures in your knitting. Some common patterns include stockinette stitch, garter stitch, ribbing, and seed stitch.
- Increasing: Increasing is a technique used to add stitches to your knitting. It can be done by knitting or purling into the front and back of a stitch, or by using other increasing methods such as yarn overs.
- Decreasing: Decreasing is the opposite of increasing and is used to reduce the number of stitches in your knitting. Common decreasing methods include knitting or purling two stitches together, or slipping stitches.
- Finishing: Once you have completed your knitting project, you will need to finish it off. This usually involves weaving in any loose ends, blocking the fabric to even out stitches and shape it, and sewing any seams if necessary.
These are just the basics to get you started on your knitting journey. With practice and experimentation, you can explore more advanced techniques and create beautiful knitted items.
Understanding Increases
Increases are essential in knitting as they allow you to add stitches and shape your knitting project. By increasing the number of stitches, you can create different patterns and shapes in your knitting.
There are several methods for increasing stitches in knitting. The most basic increase is called the “knit front and back” increase, often abbreviated as KFB. To do this increase, you knit into the front loop of the stitch as usual, but before you slide the stitch off the left needle, you also knit into the back loop of the same stitch.
Another common method is the “make one” increase, often abbreviated as M1. This increase involves creating a new stitch by lifting the horizontal strand of yarn between two stitches and knitting into it.
Increases can be placed at specific intervals or worked evenly across a row. Depending on the pattern, increases can be made on the right side (RS) or wrong side (WS) of the work.
Increases are used in a variety of knitting projects, such as sweaters, hats, and socks, to create shaping or add decorative elements. They can be used to shape the neckline, add fullness to sleeves, or create unique stitch patterns.
It is important to follow the pattern instructions carefully when increasing stitches. The pattern will specify the type of increase to use, the number of stitches to increase, and where to place the increases. By understanding increases and practicing different methods, you can broaden your knitting skills and create beautifully shaped projects.
In summary, increases are stitches that are added to your knitting to create shape and patterns. There are various methods for increasing stitches, such as the knit front and back increase and the make one increase. Increases can be used in a variety of knitting projects and are an essential skill for knitters to learn.
Common Increase Techniques
Increasing stitches in knitting is an essential skill that allows you to shape your projects and create interesting patterns. There are several common increase techniques that you can use in your knitting.
1. Knit Front and Back (KFB)
The knit front and back (KFB) increase is one of the most common techniques. To perform this increase, follow these steps:
- Knit the next stitch as usual, but do not slip it off the left needle.
- Insert the right needle into the back loop of the same stitch you just knitted.
- Knit this stitch through the back loop.
- Now you can slip the stitch off the left needle.
The KFB increase creates a small bump in the fabric and is often used to add stitches in a row.
2. Make One (M1)
The make one (M1) increase is another common technique that is used to add stitches. Here’s how to do it:
- Insert the left needle from front to back into the horizontal strand between the last stitch you knitted and the next stitch on the left needle.
- Knit into the back of this strand.
The M1 increase creates a new stitch without leaving a noticeable bump in the fabric. It is often used to add stitches in the middle of a row.
3. Yarn Over (YO)
The yarn over (YO) increase is a decorative technique that creates a hole in your knitting. To perform a yarn over increase, follow these steps:
- Bring the yarn to the front of the work, as if to purl.
- Knit the next stitch.
The YO increase creates a horizontal strand of yarn between two stitches. It is often used in lace knitting or to create decorative patterns.
4. Lifted Increase
The lifted increase is a technique that involves picking up the horizontal strand between two stitches and knitting into it. Here’s how to do it:
- Insert the right needle from front to back under the horizontal strand between the last stitch you knitted and the next stitch on the left needle.
- Place this strand onto the left needle.
- Knit into the back of this strand.
The lifted increase creates a new stitch and is often used to create a subtle increase without leaving a noticeable bump in the fabric.
5. Central Double Increase
The central double increase is a technique used to increase two stitches at once. Here’s how to do it:
- Knit into the front, then the back, of the same stitch.
The central double increase creates two new stitches from one stitch and is often used in patterns that require symmetrical increases.
By mastering these common increase techniques, you’ll have the skills you need to shape your knitting projects and create beautiful patterns.
Make One Increase
One of the most basic increases in knitting is the “Make One” increase. It is often abbreviated as “M1”. This increase is used to add stitches to your knitting in a way that is nearly invisible.
To make a “Make One” increase, you will need to follow these steps:
- Start by identifying the stitch before the stitch you want to increase. This stitch will be called the “base stitch”.
- Insert the left-hand needle tip from front to back into the horizontal strand that lies between the base stitch and the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
- Lift this strand onto the left-hand needle.
- Knit into the back of the lifted strand. This will create a new stitch.
- Continue knitting as usual.
When you make a “Make One” increase, it is important to pay attention to the direction of the new stitch. The direction of the increase can have a visual impact on your knitting, so make sure to follow the pattern instructions carefully.
By using “Make One” increases, you can gradually shape your knitting projects and create various patterns and designs. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable with this increase and be able to incorporate it into a wide range of knitting projects.
Knit Front and Back Increase
The knit front and back increase (kfb) is a common technique used in knitting to create new stitches and increase the size of your project. This increase is often used to shape garments or add decorative elements to your knitted fabric.
To perform the knit front and back increase, follow these simple steps:
- Knit the first stitch as you normally would.
- Instead of sliding the stitch off the left-hand needle, leave it on the needle.
- Insert the right-hand needle into the back loop of the same stitch.
- Knit through the back loop, creating a new stitch.
- Slide both stitches off the left-hand needle.
This increase creates a visible bar at the base of the new stitch, which can be used to add texture or design to your knitting. It is commonly used in patterns that require shaping, such as increasing the width of a sleeve or shaping the neckline of a sweater.
Here is a simple example of how the knit front and back increase can be used:
| Row | Stitches |
|---|---|
| 1 | K2, kfb, k to last 2 stitches, kfb, k2 |
| 2 | Purl all stitches |
| 3 | Repeat row 1 |
| 4 | Purl all stitches |
In this example, you would start with a specific number of stitches on your needle. On row 1, you would knit 2 stitches, perform a knit front and back increase (kfb), knit to the last 2 stitches, perform another kfb, and then knit 2 stitches. This would increase the number of stitches on your needle by 2.
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you knit and experiment with different types of increases, the more comfortable you will become with the knit front and back increase. Soon, you’ll be able to incorporate it seamlessly into your knitting projects.
Yarn Over Increase
Yarn over increase is a simple way to add stitches to your knitting project. It creates an eyelet or hole in your fabric, which can be a decorative element or used for increasing the number of stitches in a pattern.
To perform a yarn over increase, follow these steps:
- Bring the working yarn to the front of your work if it’s not already there.
- Hold the right needle in your right hand and insert it from front to back into the next stitch on the left needle.
- Wrap the working yarn over the right needle from back to front, making sure it goes over the top of the right needle.
- Pull the working yarn through the stitch on the left needle, creating a new loop on the right needle.
- Drop the stitch from the left needle, completing the yarn over increase.
A yarn over increase is often abbreviated as “yo” in knitting patterns.
Here’s an example of how a yarn over increase can be used:
- Cast on 30 stitches.
- Row 1: Knit all stitches.
- Row 2: K1, yo, knit to the end of the row.
- Repeat Row 2 until you have the desired number of stitches.
Remember to check the knitting pattern you are following for specific instructions on where and how to perform the yarn over increase.
Yarn over increases are commonly used in lace knitting to create decorative patterns, but they can also be used in other types of knitting projects.
Now that you know how to do a yarn over increase, you can incorporate it into your knitting projects to add stitches and create interesting designs!
Lifted Increase
The lifted increase is a simple and easy way to add stitches to your knitting. This increase technique creates a subtle, nearly invisible increase that is perfect for patterns where you want the increases to blend in seamlessly.
To perform a lifted increase, follow these steps:
- Insert your right-hand needle into the stitch below the next stitch on your left-hand needle, from front to back.
- Place this lifted stitch onto your left-hand needle.
- Knit the lifted stitch as you normally would.
- Knit the next stitch on your left-hand needle.
By lifting a stitch from below the next stitch and working it, you are creating a new stitch. The resulting increase is subtle and creates a seamless look in your knitting.
The lifted increase is commonly used in patterns that require a gradual increase in stitch count, such as when shaping sleeves or adding fullness to a garment. It can be used in any place where you want the increase to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding stitches.
Remember to practice this increase technique on scrap yarn or a swatch before using it in your actual project. Once you become comfortable with the lifted increase, you can easily incorporate it into your knitting to create beautiful and professional-looking garments and accessories.
Improving Your Knitting Skills
Learning to knit is just the beginning of your knitting journey. Once you have mastered the basics, it’s time to improve your knitting skills and take on more challenging projects. Here are some tips to help you become a better knitter:
1. Practice regularly
Like any skill, knitting requires practice to become proficient. Make it a habit to knit for at least a few minutes every day. This will help you improve your technique and become more comfortable with different knitting stitches.
2. Try new stitches
Expand your knitting skills by learning new stitches. There are countless stitch patterns and techniques to explore, such as cables, lace, and colorwork. Trying new stitches will not only make your projects more interesting but also help you become a more versatile knitter.
3. Take on challenging projects
Don’t be afraid to stretch your knitting skills by taking on more challenging projects. Choose patterns that include techniques or stitches you haven’t tried before. While these projects may take longer to complete, they will provide valuable learning opportunities and help you become a more experienced knitter.
4. Join a knitting group
Knitting is a social activity, and joining a knitting group can provide valuable support and inspiration. Learning from experienced knitters and sharing your projects with others can enhance your skills and motivate you to challenge yourself further.
5. Invest in quality tools and materials
Using quality knitting needles and yarn can make a big difference in your knitting experience. Invest in needles that feel comfortable in your hands and choose yarns that are appropriate for your project. Good tools and materials can make knitting more enjoyable and help you achieve better results.
6. Learn from mistakes
Don’t let mistakes discourage you. Instead, view them as learning opportunities. If you make a mistake in your knitting, take the time to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it. By learning from your mistakes, you’ll become a more skilled knitter.
7. Keep challenging yourself
Once you have mastered a new skill or completed a challenging project, don’t stop there. Keep challenging yourself to learn new techniques and take on more advanced projects. The more you push yourself, the more your knitting skills will improve.
Remember, becoming a better knitter takes time and patience. Enjoy the process of learning and experimenting with new stitches and techniques. With practice and perseverance, you’ll continue to grow and improve as a knitter.
FAQ:
What is the purpose of increasing in knitting?
The purpose of increasing in knitting is to create more stitches and shape the fabric. It can be used to widen a piece of knitting, create shaping for garments, or add decorative elements.
What are the different methods for increasing in knitting?
There are several methods for increasing in knitting, including yarn overs, knitting into the front and back of a stitch, and using make one stitches. Each method creates a slightly different look and it is up to the knitter to choose the method that best suits their project.
Can you explain how to do a yarn over increase?
Yes, a yarn over increase is done by simply wrapping the yarn around the needle from front to back before knitting the next stitch. This creates a new loop on the needle, which counts as an extra stitch. Yarn overs are commonly used in lace knitting to create decorative eyelets.
What is the easiest method for increasing in knitting?
The easiest method for increasing in knitting is knitting into the front and back of a stitch. This method involves knitting a stitch as usual and then without taking it off the left needle, inserting the right needle into the back of the same stitch and knitting it again. This creates two new stitches from one stitch.
How do I know when and where to increase in a knitting project?
The placement and frequency of increases in a knitting project depend on the specific pattern and the desired outcome. Most knitting patterns will specify where and when to increase, often indicating specific rows or stitch counts. It is important to carefully read and follow the pattern instructions to ensure proper shaping and fit.